“I don’t understand what is happening” – Kevin De Bruyne sparks battle with Manchester City fans over Etihad Stadium atmosphere | OneFootball

Manchester City vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne has seemingly hit out at the club’s home supporters over the atmosphere at one stage of their 4-1 win over West Ham.

The Premier League champions recorded a second consecutive victory across competitions over the weekend for the first time in over 70 days, following a 0-2 away win over Leicester with their victory over Julen Lopetegui’s side.

That win ensures that Manchester City remain within touching distance of the Premier League’s top-four places, and leaves them just six points behind Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, who are in second and third positions respectively.

However, Manchester City supporters are all too aware of the struggles that are facing the side, particularly in terms of the players available to Pep Guardiola and the reoccurring injuries that are hampering the squad.

As such, they would not be blamed for becoming anxious when the team concedes in matches at present, particularly in light of their calamitous 3-3 draw against Feyenoord earlier in the season having led the contest 3-0 with just 15 minutes remaining.

Speaking to Sky Sports from the Etihad Stadium after the weekend’s victory, Kevin De Bruyne was quizzed on the nervous atmosphere that was generated after Niclas Fullkrug scored for West Ham during the closing exchanges.

“Yeah, but I don’t know why,” De Bruyne insisted. “I can understand that we are not up to the level but they should support us, the effort is there, 100 per cent, and we’re still winning 4-1. So I don’t understand what is happening.”

The Belgium midfielder continued, “It’s not like they created a lot of chances either, so it’s what it is. The team gave maximum effort, the level has to be higher, but we understand that.”

City fans are bitten back in response to their legendary midfielder by pointing towards the rising ticket prices at the Etihad Stadium and the club’s insistence on selling match tickets for significantly higher prices when sent back to the club by season ticket holders.

It remains to be seen whether there will be any further comment from De Bruyne in light of the reaction from Kevin De Bruyne, although Pep Guardiola has already insisted that supporters of the club are ‘always right’.

Next up for Manchester City is another home clash at the Etihad Stadium, as the FA Cup returns to the club’s agenda as League Two outfit Salford City make the trip across Greater Manchester in the third round of the competition.